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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR 6 

Contribution from tlie Forest Service 
HENRY S. GRAVES. Forester 



.,.BR'!kRy OF >. 

cOOVcU 

DIVISION OF Bl>CUWfMT» 



The scene on the cover of this pamphlet is reproduced 
from a photograph of Mount Sopris, 12,823 feet in eleva- 
tion, located on the Sopris National Forest. 




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A Summer Vacation in the Sopris 
National Forest 



To the seekers after health, rest, and recreation the Sopris 
National Forest in Colorado offers extraordinary opportu- 
nities. Situated on what is known as the "western slope" 
of the Rockv Mountains, the Forest extends to the crest of the 
Continental Divide, reachin,^ its loftiest elevation in Castle Peak — 
14,259 feet. 

Clear, cold water, born of the mountain snows, an abundance 
of timber and firewood, cool nights, and days of warm sunshine 
all combine to make this region an ideal one for those who wish 
to live out of doors and explore the many wonders of a vast sky-land 
country unspoiled by civilization. For the sportsman there is the 
lure of trout fishing or grouse shooting; for the mountain climber 
the challenge of steep and difficult slopes and the reward of mag- 
nificent views of rugged mountain scenery. The possibilities of 
these and other lines of recreation are so large that after a sum- 
mer's exploration and camping the tourist always desires to return 
and seek out new fields; and he can easily do this for several seasons 
and not cover the same ground twice. 

Camping and Fishing Grounds 

Splendid camping grounds, are" found in every part of the Forest; 
to enumerate every one would mean the listing of all the streams 
and lakes of the region. Visitors going into the mountains will 
find no difficulty in selecting excellent spots with plenty of fuel 
and pure water close at hand. The best camp grounds, as well 

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A Summer Vacation in 

The Sopris National forest 



Page Four 




A summer cottaye iu the mountains. 



A Summer Vacation in 
Page Five The Sopris National Forest 

as scenery, can be reached from Aspen. From here, Hunter, Castle, 
and Maroon Creeks, Roaring Fork, and their tributaries, branch out 
in the form of a huge fan. Each of these streams with its tribu- 
taries, lakes, and surrounding mountain peaks offers ideal camping 
places. 

Good trout fishing may be found in practically all the streams 
and lakes of the Sopris. The Forest Service is cooperating with 
the State and Federal fish hatcheries in annually stocking these 
waters to keep up the supply. The yearly distribution of fry is 
500,000. A local hatchery, supported by the Pitkin County Sports- 
men's Association in cooperation with the State, produces from 
300,000 to 500,000 fry twice each year. Forest officers have also 
assisted in distributing fry from this hatchery. 

Excellent fishing is to be had in the Frying Pan River, and 
big catches are of almost daily occurrence. The Roaring Fork 
and Crystal River are also fine trout streams. Snowmass Eake, 
Snowmass Creek, and Capitol Lake probably offer as attractive 
daily catches as any other waters in the region. A large number 
of the high country lakes, some of which are above timber line, 
offer excellent fishing grounds, and the long jouiney necessary to 
reach them is usually rewarded by good catches and keen sport. 

Big Game Areas 

Grazing of domestic stock has been eliminated from an area at 
the head of Rocky Ford Creek, which has been set aside as a game 
preserve. This locality is serving as an excellent breeding ground 
for wild game, and elk and deer have been observed here by many 
visitors passing through the Forest. 

In April, 191 3, 16 head of elk were released on Smuggler 
Mountain near Aspen, and in March, 1914, 22 head were turned 
out at the same point. In March, 191 5, 24 elk were turned out 



A Summer Vacation in 

The Sopris National Forest Page Six 

at Meredith. In securing all these shipments the Forest Servdce 
cooperated with the local branch of the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks in Aspen and with various public-spirited citizens on 
the Frying Pan River. A recent tally of elk on the Sopris by forest 
officers gave a total of 157 head, showing that these importations 
have been successful and that the herd is rapidly increasing. 

Mule deer are plentiful in every part of the Forest, having 
steadily increased since the hunting season was closed by State law. 
Bear are often seen in the vicinity of Avalanche Creek, several 
being killed here each year. Mountain sheep have been frequently 
observed near Redstone, Conundrum Hot Springs, and along the 
lower Frying Pan River. Every protection is given the wild life in 
the Forest, as its presence adds manyfold to the attractiveness of 
the out-of-doors. 

Mountain Climbing 

The sturdiest mountain climber will find peaks to test his skill 
in the Continental Divide ranges, which are rough and rugged and 
of an average elevation of 13,000 feet. The Elk Mountain range, a 
spur of the main backbone of the Continent, affords unlimited oppor- 
tunities for exciting climbing. The following high peaks are claimed 
to be superior in rugged grandeur to many of the better known and 
more accessible mountains in Colorado: 

Altitude, feet. 

Castle Peak 14, 2 59 

Maroon Peak 14, 126 

Capitol Peak 13, 997 

Snowmass Peak 13, 970 

Pyramid Peak 13, 885 

Pearl Mountain 13, 484 

Mount Daly 13, 193 

Mount Sopris 12, 823 

Wood roads and rough trails traverse the valleys and much of 
the high country, so that it is possible to camp wherever the fancy 
of the individual induces him to set up his tent. Rugged scenery 



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Page Seven 



A Summer Vacation in 

The Sop r is National Forest 




A Summer Vacation in 

The So p r i s National Forest 



Page Eight 




View of Independence Pass Auto Road along the roaring Fork River. Sidehill construction around 

rock point. 



A Summer Vacation in 
P age N ine The Sopris National Forest 

and bleak snow-capped peaks can be found in all the high ranges, 
while peaceftd, verdure-covered rolling hills and cool brooks attract 
the less venturesome. 

Hot Springs 

Conundrum Hot Springs, i6 miles by wagon road and trail from 
Aspen, has been improved by a substantial bath house and a shelter 
cabin constructed by the Pitkin County Sportsmen's Club in coop- 
eration with the Forest Service. A cement pool, sufficiently large 
for comfortable bathing, has been built, and the shelter cabin has 
been provided with a cookstove. These facilities are for the use 
of the public. The water from the spring is just the right tempera- 
ture for a hot bath. The elevation of Conundrum Hot Springs is 
about 10,500 feet, almost at timber line. Fuel wood and pure cold 
water are to be had in abundance within a few feet of the shelter 
cabin. 

The hot springs below Redstone have also been improved with 
a bathhouse and are used by a large number of people each season. 

Scenic Attractions 

The greatest scenic attraction of the Forest is the mountains. 
From certain favored vantage points they present marvelous pano- 
ramas. From one of these viewpoints, the Forest Service lookout 
station, not far from the Aspen-Norrie Trail, a view of two-thirds of 
the entire Forest can be secured. Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, 
the two highest peaks in Colorado, and the Mount of the Holy Cross 
are in plain view. 

The Horseshoe Falls, just below Hell Gate on Ivanhoe Creek, 
are the most beautiful on the Forest. Five in number, they are 
distributed in a narrow walled-in canyon, which is cut for a distance 
of about one-half mile through glistening granite. In falling over the 
rock, a distance of from 20 to 50 feet, the water has formed a huge 



A Summer Vacation in 

The Sopris National Forest P age Ten 

bowl at the base of each of the falls, which makes an ideal home for 
mountain trout in the clear, ice-cold stream. 

Other falls of interest to visitors are to be found on Avalanche 
Creek, near the Horseshoe opposite Nast on the Frying Pan River, 
and on Conundrum and Capitol Creeks. . 

The Roaring Fork Valley above Aspen is made ver}^ attractive 
by the mingling of the fiery colors of the rock with the forest green, 
and by the precipitous topography along both sides of the river. 
A few miles east of Aspen, on the Independence Pass automobile 
road, is the "Devil's Punch Bowl," which has been formed in solid 
granite by the action of the water. In the near vicinity also is the 
"Grotto," formed in the same manner, and a short distance below 
are markings pronounced to be one of the best-known evidences of 
the effect of glacial work on geological formations. 

From Redstone to Marble one passes " Chair Mountain," so named 
because of its similarity in shape to a mammoth chair. At Marble 
is the largest known deposit of white marble in the world. The 
Lincoln Memorial at Washington, D. C, and the Federal building at 
Denver were constructed from the white marble quarried and milled 
at this town. 

Fire Protection 

The fire-lookout station of the Sopris National Forest, elevation 
11,700 feet, is easily accessible by trail from Norrie and Aspen, being 
situated i mile from the Aspen-Norrie trail. There is a 40-foot 
tower with a glassed-in crow's nest, telephone, and shelter cabin. 
At this observation point a Forest officer is stationed during the 
summer season to watch for fires. The field of view from the look- 
out tower extends over two- thirds of the entire Forest and includes 
some marvelous mountain scenery. 

The visitor is reminded that these beautiful mountain areas can 
be terribly damaged by fires started from a match, or burning tobacco 



Page Eleven 



A Summer Vacation in 

The Sopris National Forest 




North Boulder Falls, on North Boulder Creek. 



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A Summer Vacation in 

The Sopris National Forest 



Page Twelve 




A Summer Vacation in 
P age T hir teen The Sopris National Forest 

carelessly thrown aside, or camp fires left unextinguished. Indica- 
tions of destruction by fire are apparent upon every side to those who 
travel the mountains. Do your part toward preventing further loss: 

Be careful with fire. 

Do not pollute the streams. 

Leave yoiir camp site clean. 

The National Forests belong to all the people. Do not impair 
the value of your own property by damaging it through acts of 
carelessness. 

Summer Home Sites 

In accoidance with the liberal Government policy of making the 
National Forests as attractive as possible to visitors, an act of Congress 
was passed on March 4, 191 5, authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture 
to issue permits for summer- home sites for periods not exceeding 30 
years. Such permits may now be secm-ed upon application to the 
Forest Service for a nominal fee of from $10 to $25 per year, depend- 
ing upon the accessibility of the site and the demand for summer 
homes. Lots are usually one acre or less in area and are located 
in picturesque spots in the mountains where there is an abundance 
of timber, pure water, and good fishing close at hand. 

Desirable localities for summer homes may be found in all parts 
of the Sopris National Forest. The greatest development of this 
feature has taken place along the Frying Pan River and its tribu- 
taries. There are summer resorts and small hotels specializing in 
tourist trade along the Frying Pan wagon road from Basalt to Nast 
and unlimited opportunities for the establishment of summer cabins. 
Near the Forest boundary in the vicinity of Castles the approximate 
elevation is 7,000 feet, while at Nast the altitude is 9,060 feet. It is 
not necessary, howevei, to be confined to the above limits in elevation, 
for summer homes may be located along the various tributaries of 



A Summer Vacation in 

The Sopris National Forest Pa^e Fourteen 

the Frying Pan in the vicinity of Rocky Ford Creek or up the North 
Fork in the vicinity of Savage Lakes; elevation, 11,290 feet. 

The distance from the railroad to summer-home sites will depend 
largely upon the desires of the locators, for along many of the Forest 
streams a cabin may be established at almost any point. There are 
exceptionally desirable locations for cottages in the vicinity of many 
of the lakes, which are situated for the most part at high altitudes. 
The Roaring Fork and Crystal River Valleys also afford sites admir- 
ably adapted to this purpose. 



Hotels and Summer Resorts 



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For those who do not desire to travel with a camp outfit or 
"rough it" in the mountains, there are many excellent stopping 
places on the Forest where the traveler will be comfortable for a long 
or short period. Woods Lake resort, near the northeastern part of 
the Forest, and about 8 miles from Thomasville, is reached by wagon 
road from Basalt on the Denver & Rio Grande. 

Another summer resort has been developed at Nast, where the 
old Colorado Midland right of way leaves the Frying Pan River to 
climb the Continental Divide. At Thomasville, Reudi, and Hop- 
kins provision is made by residents for the care of tourists during 
the summer season. Bungalows, for the accommodation of visitors, 
have been built at both Norrie and Biglow. 

Redstone, situated 1 2 miles south of Carbondale on Crystal River, 
is easily accessible to tourists. An auto road connects this town 
with Glenwood Springs, via Carbondale and the Crystal River. The 
Crystal River and San Juan Railroads connect the town of Redstone 
with Carbondale, which is a junction point on the Denver & Rio 
Grande. Redstone is an abandoned mining town. It was built by 
a large mining company to serve the purpose of a model town. The 
cottages are well planned and constructed and may be rented for a 




112279°— 19 ( 







)122T0"'— 1<J (Totace pji;ol4 ) 



MAP OF The sopris national forest 

Solid black lines represent Fore.l boundaries. Distances between solid liuht lines (township boundaries) represent (. imle^- 



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A Summer Vacation in 
Page Fifteen The Sopris National Forest 

moderate sum either for the summer or for a yearlong period. The 
canyon of the Crystal River is an especially scenic one. Red sand- 
stone formations rise in perpendicular cliffs several hundred feet in 
height from the valley, and from narrow canyons extend great spires 
showing large expanses of solid rock surface broken into fantastic 
shapes and with practically no vegetative cover of any kind. 

The town of Aspen offers accommodation to all visitors to the 
northern portion of the Forest. This town is known as the "Crystal 
City of the Rockies " and is one of the richest silver-mining camps in 
the world. Its business blocks are of brick and stone; the resident 
portion boasts many expensive mansions. Hotel accommodations 
are excellent, and information regarding furnished cottages may be 
obtained by correspondence with the Aspen Associated Clubs. Aspen 
is reached by the Denver & Rio Grande from Glenwood Springs. The 
automobile roads leading to the city are noted for their exceptional 
scenic qualities. 

Lines of Travel 

The Sopris National Forest may be reached over the Denver & 
Rio Grande Railroad branch line from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, 
where the supervisor's headquarters is located. The auto enthusiast 
may visit portions of the Forest via the " Midland Trail " or " Pikes Peak 
Ocean to Ocean Highway" to Glenwood Springs, thence by a good 
road to Redstone or Aspen via Carbondale. Within the next few 
years the Independence Pass Highway will also be completed, and the 
motorist will then be enabled to cross the Continental Divide at an 
altitude of 12,226 feet, passing eastward from Aspen up the Roaring 
Fork Valley, thence over the Pass, and down to Twin Lakes on the 
Leadville National Forest. 

For further information concerning camping and fishing grounds, 
scenic attractions, summer-home sites, transportation facilities, and 
lakes and resorts, write or call on the Forest Supervisor, Aspen, Colo. 



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WASHINGTOX : GOVERXME.VT PRINTING OFFICE : 1919 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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